Skip to main content
Shara Hughes: Navigating the Abstract and the Real
Shara Hughes, born in 1981 in Atlanta, Georgia, and now thriving in Brooklyn, has carved a niche in the art world with her distinctive blend of abstract and representational art. Hughes, a proud alumnus of the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture, embarked on her artistic journey with a solid educational foundation, further enriched by her experiences in Denmark and her eventual move to New York in 2014. This journey was not just a geographical transition but a voyage into the depths of her creative psyche, marking the beginning of her fascination with landscapes. However, Hughes’s landscapes are not mere depictions of nature but are vibrant explorations of color, shape, and emotion. They exist in a realm where floating moons, gnarled trees, and blazing suns transcend physical spaces to narrate stories of psychological complexity and universal relatability.
Hughes’s creative process is a testament to her relentless pursuit of exploring the boundaries between the abstract and the representational. Driven by a fascination with the interplay of color, texture, and form, her paintings invite viewers into an intuitive exploration of these elements. Hughes’s work, characterized by its vivid abstractions and imaginative landscapes, challenges conventional perceptions of landscape painting. By defying traditional depictions of light and space, she offers a glimpse into a vibrant, otherworldly dimension that is both inviting and mysterious. This distinctive approach not only sets her apart in the contemporary art scene but also resonates with a broad audience, evoking a sense of deep personal connection and universal appeal.
The Evolution of Shara Hughes’s Artistic Voice
The foundation of Shara Hughes’s artistic voice was meticulously laid at prestigious institutions such as RISD and the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture. These formative years were crucial in honing her technical skills and artistic sensibilities, propelling her towards a path of experimentation and self-discovery. The influence of her time in Denmark on artist residencies, coupled with her move to New York, has been instrumental in shaping her unique approach to landscape painting. Rather than capturing the physicality of landscapes, Hughes’s work delves into the realm of the invented, where each piece serves as a portal to an emotional or psychological state articulated through her imaginative use of color and form.
Hughes’s landscapes defy conventional categories, sitting comfortably at the intersection of various art movements such as Symbolism, Fauvism, and Surrealism. This eclectic influence is evident in works like Tipsy (2016), where the abstract and the representational meld to create a whimsical yet deeply emotional experience. Hughes’s landscapes are not static depictions but dynamic scenes that invite the viewer to explore the intricate dance of color and emotion. The inspiration behind her pieces, while rooted in the traditions of early Impressionists and contemporary masters, is distinctly her own, showcasing a bold reinterpretation of space, light, and psychological depth. Through her art, Hughes invites us into a sensorial experience that upends conventional rules, engaging the observer in a constantly evolving narrative of the mind.
Shara Hughes: Redefining Landscape Painting
Shara Hughes’s approach to landscape painting transcends the traditional boundaries of the genre, inviting viewers into a world where the boundaries between the abstract and the representational blur. Her works, while often categorized within the landscape genre, are far from conventional. They are emotional landscapes, vividly rendered through Hughes’s imaginative use of color and form. This unique perspective is not just a stylistic choice but a philosophical stance that challenges viewers to reconsider what it means to depict and engage with landscapes. Hughes’s canvases become stages where psychological states are played out, utilizing elements of natural and fantastical imagery to evoke feelings that are deeply personal yet universally relatable. The essence of Hughes’s landscapes lies in their ability to transport viewers to invented scenes that reference the rich history of art movements, defying conventional depictions of light and space to offer a glimpse into a vibrant, otherworldly dimension.
The conceptual depth of Hughes’s work is beautifully illustrated in her piece, Tipsy (2016). This painting is a celebration of the interplay between the abstract and the representational, where natural motifs and a playful palette merge to create a whimsical, immersive experience. The piece exemplifies Hughes’s skill in blending the familiar with the fantastical, inviting the viewer into a world where color and emotion reign supreme. The inspiration behind Tipsy and much of Hughes’s work is drawn from a diverse array of artistic influences, from the saturated palettes of the early Impressionists to the psychological landscapes of modern and contemporary artists. By drawing on these influences, Hughes crafts scenes that are not confined to a specific place or moment but instead evoke a mood, a feeling, or a state of being. Her landscapes are thus a complex amalgamation of the real and the imagined, inviting viewers to explore the depths of their own perceptions and emotions.
A Celebrated Vision: Shara Hughes’s Impact on the Art World
Shara Hughes’s significant recognition, including her participation in the Whitney Biennial and exhibitions in major museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Smithsonian American Art Museum, underscores the profound impact of her work on the contemporary art scene. Such accolades not only affirm the relevance of Hughes’s artistic inquiry but also amplify her voice within a broader cultural dialogue. This recognition serves as a testament to her innovative approach to painting, which continues to captivate and challenge audiences worldwide. Hughes views this recognition not as an end goal but as a catalyst that encourages her to delve deeper into her explorations of color, form, and emotion. It’s a motivation to push the boundaries of her creative process further, continually exploring new landscapes of the mind and spirit.
Beyond the accolades, Hughes’s work is celebrated for its immersive quality and human scale, which engage viewers in a deeply personal interaction with the canvas. Her intention to create paintings that envelop the viewer reflects a desire to balance beauty and chaos, the organic and the surreal. This balance is not just an aesthetic choice but a reflection of the complexity of the human experience. Hughes crafts spaces where viewers can project their own memories and emotions, creating a personal connection that transcends the visual to touch on the profoundly emotional. In doing so, she creates not just paintings but experiences—vibrant, dynamic environments that invite contemplation, introspection, and a reimagining of the world around us. Through her work, Shara Hughes invites us to lose ourselves in a world of vibrant harmony and dynamic tension, showcasing the power of art to transform, challenge, and inspire.
